[Sunscreen Review] Lagom Cellus Sun Gel SPF50 PA+++

Price: $26 from BBCosmetic

(Use coupon at checkout C10T190S3 for 5% off) 

Verdict: 10/10

Repurchase: Probably during discounts. ^^

Lagom Cellus Sun Gel

A while back, I got my hands on the most expensive sunscreen I have ever used in my routine from BBCosmetic, which is this Lagom Cellus Sun Gel. Retailing at a whooping $27 (It's since reduced to $26) on the site, with the prices I've seen elsewhere being mostly higher. You can use my affiliated code C10T190S3 will get you and extra 5% off at the checkout page. 

This is a lightweight facial sunscreen with great absorbability and a matte finish that claims to be perfect for keeping skin moisturized with a list of beneficial ingredients in addition for the sun protection it provides. It comes highly recommended by the BB Cosmetic team and was sent to me in exchange for an honest review, but all thoughts are my own, as always. According to the description, it's a dermatologically tested broad spectrum SPF 50+, PA+++ refreshing sunblock that soothes and protects the skin. It also provides hydration and is a moist sunscreen gel that forms a UV screen. 

Ingredients 

This product comes with a pretty long list of ingredients and contain alcohol as the third ingredient, so if you're sensitive to that, then you should probably not go for it. It's also a chemical sunscreen, which means it would leave less of a white cast as compared to physical sunscreens. 

Running the ingredients through the cosdna is a pretty satisfying experience seeing as most of the ingredients don't appear to be irritants or acne-triggers except for the alcohol denat and sorbitan oleate. 

Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Methoxy PEG/PPG-25/4 Dimethicone, Bis-PEG/PPG-20/5 PEG/PPG-20/5 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 80,1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Sodium Hydroxide, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Geranium Maculatum Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Urea, Yeast Amino Acids, Trehalose, Betaine, Taurine, Inositol, Styrax Benzoin Gum, Commiphora Myrrha Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate.

Packaging

The product comes in a squeeze bottle with a twist cap that is easy to put back on. The narrow nozzle makes sure I'm not getting more product that I'm keen on using. 

Texture and Fragrance

The texture sinks in very easily and does not leave a white cast like most physical sunscreens tend to do. The scent is mild and for the most part, almost non-existent. I find that it applies smoothly over moisturizer and while it doesn't dry matte, which is what I prefer for my sunscreens, it also doesn't leave a sticky finish. Somewhere in between, where it feels more like I'm applying merely a second layer of moisturizer. 

Performance

I tried this product in two different weather conditions. First, in the hot and humid Malaysian weather, and then again in the cold winter in Japan. In both instances, it had been absolutely perfect. As I mentioned earlier, it doesn't dry matte, nor does it leave a tacky sensation after. This means I can wear it in the hot and humid Malaysian weather without feeling like I'm sweating out of my skin and inversely, I can use it in the cold and dry Japan weather without feeling like my skin is going to crack. There's no white cast for this too, which is great because I find a lot of sunscreens leave my skin like I'm the cast of the Walking Dead. 

I have yet to find a sunscreen that plays well with my skin. While I love the matte finish that the Biore sunscreen gives me, it also leaves behind cc's that takes forever to heal. The tradeoff just isn't fair. :( Biore has since reformulated their sunscreen, so now not only do they cause cc's, they also don't dry matte anymore. It's all sorts of disappointing. 

While most people seem to find this matte, my oily skin saw this as it's opportunity to shine through and it wasn't matte for me at all. The Lagom sunscreen has a pretty steep price at $26 for a 50ml amount, but I do think the price is warranted, at least for me, since I have yet to find a sunscreen that plays well with my skin. Worth a try if you're looking at sunscreens and doesn't mind the price tag. 

Price: $26 from BBCosmetic

(Use coupon at checkout C10T190S3 for 5% off) 

Verdict: 10/10

Repurchase: Probably during discounts. ^^

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[Orgavalley Review] Orgavalley OV In Nature 24 Nutritive Deep Cleanser 120ml

Price: $34.00 on BBCosmetic.com

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 
Verdict: 9/10
Repurchase: Maybe

Price & Shop

This Orgavalley cleanser saved my skin. T.T I received this Orgavalley Deep Cleanser from from BBCosmetic.com in exchange for an honest review but all thoughts are my own, as always. ^^ It arrived about a month ago and it arrived just in the nick of time. I had just finished my Cosrx cleanser and the two subsequent cleansers I used broke me out. :( The innisfree volcanic foaming cleanser caused pimples and the April Skin caused my skin to flake and peel painfully.

This cleanser is a naturally produced cleanser that protects the skin barrier. It provides hydration, nutrition and deep cleansing all together in addition to aiding in anti-aging. This OV in Nature 24 Nutritive Deep Cleanser features various natural and herb fermented ingredients that can cleanse, hydrate, and provide the skin with necessary nutrition. It's made with mild formula and can be used for all skin types. 

Orgavalley is a relatively new name in the game of korean skincare. It focuses on natural ingredients and traditional fermentation with the modern nano-technology. Orgavalley is free from chemicals and focuses on minimal ingredients in it's products. 

Packaging

I really love the design for the Orgavalley Deep cleanser with it's beautifully carved wooden cap. However, since my bathroom tends to be especially humid, I've taken off the wooden cap so it won't risk getting moldy.

The pump bottle design is simplistic and effective, though the fact that I have to take off the cap to protect it from getting moldy isn't ideal, since it has resulted in the bottle being exposed to the humidity in the bathroom. I actually put the cap back on and have my fingers crossed it'll be alright. There's 120ml of the product, which isn't much at all but only a single pump is necessary for cleansing.

At the price point of $34, it puts the cleanser with the higher end brands, so I actually expect the design to be a bit more... high end. The taped on paper on the bottle ruins that effect somewhat, something which Orgavalley have taken into consideration. It's all just aesthetics though, which shouldn't matter as long as the product works, which is definitely does!

Ingredients

Ingredients, according to this reviewer, are only water, olive oil, Rosemary leaf water, Peppermint leaf water, Aloe ferox leaf extract, lavender leaf extract, glycerin, potassium hydroxide, Lavender oil, lemongrass oil.

The key ingredient here is olive oil, which is an antioxidant that can help with anti-aging. It's brochure also lauds it's ability to lower bad cholestrol, but that's only if you're ingesting olive oil, which I wouldn't suggest eating this cleanser. Lol. 

Rosemary leaf water can increase skin elasticity while peppermint provides antibacterial properties. Lavender and lemongrass oil adds a distinct herbal scent to the cleanser but also provides soothing and healing properties. In the skin, lavender has been shown be antioxidant and reduce eczema and moderate psoriasis according to this article. 

There's a lack of preservatives in the product, so I would suggest using this up within a few months of opening, which is good advice for every skincare item anyhow. ^^

The addition of potassium hydroxide is what allows the product to foam and it is a pH adjuster. The ingredients looks pretty good on cosdna. 

Performance

This smells like ginger, which is a nice scent, imo. It's not low pH, but it's not stripping either. I did a quick test with a lipstick. If I remember correctly, it's my Choonee Lip Balm, which isn't super long lasting.

The cleanser doesn't exactly clear makeup. There's still a faint hint of red in the bottom picture. A first cleanser is definitely necessary, but this makes a good cleanser in the morning. ^^ It foams pretty well, but doesn't product a rich lather. A single pump is enough for my entire face.

Almost a month into using this, my skin has gotten so much better. The red, inflamed parts of my skin have gotten better, no more new pimples, and my skin is just slowly healing from the many breakouts. Ahh. Thank goodness. I've been struggling with the painful skin irritation for a few weeks and this was exactly what my skin needed.

The only reason why it's not getting full points is because it's really pretty expensive, at $34 for only 120ml, which is quickly dwindling. I might repurchase this, but only once I've finished a few other cleansers that I'm eager to try out, particularly the Cosrx Low pH cleanser and a Neutrogena Acne Foaming Cleanser... or those Neutrogena Oil to Foam cleansers that have been catching my eye. ^^

Price: $34.00 on BBCosmetic.com

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 
Verdict: 9/10
Repurchase: Maybe

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[Review] Cosrx Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol

Price: $14.30 on bbcosmetic

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 
Verdict: 9/10
Repurchase: Yes

Price, Shop & Product

I received this Cosrx Natural BHA Skin Returning A-Sol from  BBCosmetic in exchange for an honest review a while back but all thoughts are my own, as always. ^^ It's $14.30 per piece but you can get it for $13.10 after the 8% discount code (C10T190S3  applied during checkout). For those of you unaware with the free international shipping store, check out my review of them here.

I've actually gotten through 2 bottles before I decided this is one of the things that I'm very likely to repurchase a 3rd time, but at the same time I'm still keeping my eye out for something that works even better. More on that later.

This is a toner that is aimed at solving skin troubles with a combination of AHA, natural BHA, and natural  moisture-retention ingredients. It can be used as a hyrating and preping step as a gentle chemical exfoliator, or repaire breakouts and clear dead skin and impurities. 

Packaging, Ingredients & Directions

This came in a white box that was very no-nonsense and down-to-earth, with ingredients, application methods, and purpose all written politely over it in black. The pump jar inside is white and non-transparent. I really like Cosrx's packaging of products. Their dispenser, cover, and container are all meant to be sanitary and easy to use.  However, the dispenser for this A-sol seems to be trying to get me to waste as much product as possible, squirting out and missing my fingers/pad and spilling all over the place if I'm not careful. Lol.

Ingredients: Propolis extract, alcohol, butylene glycol, sodium lactate, lactic acid, water, glycolic acid, betaine salicylate, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, allantoin, cassia obtusifolia seed extract, 1,2-hexanediol, ethyl hexanediol, PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil

The only possible acne trigger is the butylene glycol, with cosdna pretty much loving the other ingredients. ^^ Do note that this is one of the few Cosrx products that does contain alcohol, so if you're sensitive to that, it's best to avoid it. Personally, I like having alcohol in my products since it speeds up product drying.

Propolis is the main attraction here, with Cosrx claiming to obtain this from black bee propolis. Propolis is used as a sealant in the  bee's hive to protect the colony from viruses, diseases and other outer intruders. In the hive, it acts to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth.  In skincare, propolis acts to supply necesssary oil and moistures, along with trouble care. 

The 60% black bee propolis extract is great for calming skin. Propolis acts to supply necessary oil and moisture, along with trouble care as it known to have antimicrobial properties.

A combination of natural BHA+ AHA is able to dissolve dead skin cells that clogs up pores and cause skin troubles. Lactic and Glycolic acids are the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in the product, which acts to remove dead skin cells from the skin. Betaine Salicylate is the beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which penetrates into the skin and assists in unclogging pores.

Tea Tree Oil is one of those things I really love. It's able to soothe and heal blemishes and is a natural antibacterial. Tea tree oil can also be used on it's own (once diluted properly) to disinfect pores and dry out whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes. Used incorrectly and it could actually dry out skin though, so I've never attempted using just pure tea tree oil. 

Directions: This is applied directly after cleansing on troubled areas as a spot treatment. I've taken to applying this before any other products using a cotton pad on my break out spots. ><

Texture and Fragrance

The reason why I've taken to using cotton pads to apply this is because it's really watery, which usually results me in spilling this all over the place. I use two pumps on my cotton pad and then apply it on my breakout areas. Or when I feel like I'm going to break out (pre-periods), I'll apply this to my entire face.

It has a faint tea tree scent that I'mactually quite fond of? I think people over at /r/AsianBeauty kinda hates the scent but I don't find it lasting enough to bother me. It dries almost immediately upon application and unless I'm sniffing this from the bottle like a... Cosrx-scent-addict, I don't usually pick up the smell at all.

Performance

This Cosrx A-sol is marketed as a spot-treatment and for that, it's really the most amazing thing I've ever used. If I feel a particularly painful acne is developing, I'll dab a bit of the A-sol on the spot and it'll calm down over the next few days instead of coming to head, which is a god-send considering how bad my pimples tend to scar.

On the other hand, I've been getting less and less of those pimples and just more cc's instead of cystic acnes that I find myself reaching for this less and less. It calms down painful pimples, but it doesn't exactly make the spots disappear. I'll end up with cc's on my face that just. doesn't. leave.

I love this product. It works, but somehow, it just doesn't finish the job completely, leaving bumps on my face that just keeps adding, hence the -1 point. I wish I could give this a perfect score since it's worked better than anything I've ever tried, but ugh. So close. 

As things are right now, I'm looking to get rid of the cc's on my face as hard as I can, but I'll still keep a bottle of this handle for those occasional painful pimples to keep them from developing. :)

Price: $14.30 on bbcosmetic

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 
Verdict: 9/10
Repurchase: Yes

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[2017 Hauls] February & March Purchases From BBCosmetic.com - Free International Shipping

I've made several purchases from BBcosmetic.com over the past few months. I shop when I'm sad, okay? So, I figured it would be healthy to jolt down the mini reviews of all the purchases that I had done over the past few months instead of sulk and do more online shopping.

BBCosmetic

Prices: 10/10 

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 

Packaging: 10/10 

Shipping: 2-3 weeks

Samples: 10/10

Repurchase: Yes

Feb 14th, 2017

• 1 x [The Face Shop] White Seed Pure Vitamin Concentrate Ampule 12ml SALE!

The things I buy generally fall into two categories:

1. I've been wanting this for a while and need this in my life. Or 
2. It was on sale. This mini purchase definitely fell into the second category

This The Face Shop White Seed Vitamin Concentrate Ampule 12ml is $4.79 during their 50% off sale. There's 11 left in stock, but these expire in April 12, an important point I completely missed. Cue me frantically trying to finish this before the expiry date. XD I really like that even the tiny purchase came with two samples!

This arrived exactly 21 days (including weekends) after making the order, so 3 weeks for free shipping, which is decent.

The ampule is a powerful spot corrector with pure vitamin C. The highly concentrated brightening ampule with 10% pure vitamin C helps reduce unwanted pigmentation and other flaws, leaving skin looking bright and pure. It also includes GMO-free white seed. I haven't used this before but it's description got me keen. I've been looking for something to help me fade my acne scars for a while and this is just the newest addition to that cause. First impression is... decent.

The texture of the product is really thick and it is deep orange in color, which surprised me a little. Directions say to apply on dark spots... which is basically most of my face at this point. The texture is fairly oily and doesn't really sink in that well. I'm still trying to figure out where best to put this, but before my lotion (final step) seems like a good place. The product applies warm, which is forwarned, and that sensation goes away quickly. The scent of orange/citrus yogurt is fairly thick though, and I could still pick up the fragrance awhile after application. I haven't used this long enough to see effects, but I'll keep everyone updated!

Purchase: $4.79 /RM20

Feb 16th 2017

• 1 x [COSRX] Acne Pimple Master Patch 24patches X 1
• 1 x [Nature Republic] Super Aqua Max Fresh Watery Cream 80ml SALE!

This Nature Republic Super Aqua Max Fresh Waterfy Cream is meant for oily skin, which I'm all for. I'm currently using Benton's Snail Bee Lotion, which has been doing a pretty good job of keeping my skin moisturized without being too oily, but it does take a bit of time to sink in and leaves something of a white cast if I don't apply the lotion well. I've been using that for a few months and I'm almost halfway done! Two pumps for my whole face, twice a day.

 This fancy cream is made with Kona Deep Sea Water Sourced at 3,000 Feet Below the Ocean Surface and contains Sea Plant Nutrients, Ocean Extracts, Trace Minerals, Calcium and Magnesium . It is free of heavy metals or pollutants and includes kona minerals ionized by nature for fast absorption into the skin. The light formulation promises to keep skin hydrated without leaving an oily residue.

I quite like the packaging for this product! The glass finish makes it look super luxurious. It comes with a spatula to prevent product contamination. However, I think I actually prefer #benton's pump bottles that keeps products from being contaminated without having me use a spatula (so troublesome). I'm really looking forward to getting started on this and hope it'll work wonders on my skin. Cosdna didn't come up with anything too worrying except for the preservative used, which is methylioshiazolinone (7). There's a lot of plant and sea-based extracts that 's supposed to be good for the skin.

Purchase: $9.20 /RM40

March 15th 2017

• 1 x [Benton] Aloe BHA Skin Toner 200ml
• 1 x [Koelf] Callus Care Elbow Patch (1 pair * 3ea) + Callus Care Heel Patch (1 pair * 3ea) SET SALE!

The Koelf Callus Care Elbow & Heel patches were 50% off for $6.68 so I snatched them almost instantly. I also purchased the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner for $14+ with my affiliated code: C10T190S3 to get an additional 8% off. The rest are samples that they've kindly included. The box was slightly squished, but they packed the benton toner with an additional layer of protection to keep it safe. ^^

The patches were fine since they were packed in plastic anyhows. I've been eyeing the Benton Aloe BHA Skin Toner ever since I've tried the samples. They were very gentle and are good for my skin. The toner seems to help calm down pimples and just give my skin that healthy glow nothing else is able to give me. The toner is incredibly watery and has a mild aloe scent that I really enjoy. The 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid doesn't do much to exfoliate, but is enough to have a soothing effect. It also helps manage blackheads and dead skin cells. Here's hoping the whole bottle is as good (or even better) than the samples!

When BBcosmetic came up with another 50% off sale that I was interested in, which is the patches, I snatched that as well as the #benton toner. I have terribly dry elbows and heels, so hopefully these patches will help! The patches are like... plasters for injuries really, which is pretty fun! I'm really looking forward to trying them out. They're supposed to be used for a minimum of an hour, but since I'm on my feet a lot during the day, I'm thinking of using these while I sleep to get the most out of them! Fingers crossed!

Purchase: $21.35 /RM92

March 22nd, 2017

• 1 x [Skinfood] Yuja Water C Toner 180ml SALE!

I swear this is my last purchase for a little while. Ahem. The Skinfood Yuja Water C Toner 180ml was 50% off for $7.96 and I've been eyeing it since it was available here in Malaysia so I grabbed one. The rest are samples that they've kindly included.

The Yuja Water C Line contains Goheung Yuja extract and essential oil, which according to their description, contain more vitamin C than lemon. They also have serum, emulsion, ampoule, and cream in the same line, though those are $20 or $21 bucks respectively. The entire line moisturizes and brightens the skin from the inside out. If the toner ends up working well, I'll look into buying the rest of the line. ^^

I'm currently using The Face Shop.Official White Seed Vitamin Concentrate Ampule 12ml as well as OST C20 Vitamin C serum. I don't really have much expectations for this toner, since toners in general don't seem to do much, but it being in the Water C Line kinda gives me hope that it'll work well in terms of hydration and brightening. Yuja extract and essential oil coats the surface of the skin, locking in moisture and brightening skin tones for a soft, glowing appearance. This toner is meant to be used after cleansing.

The bottle is packed in an additional layer of plastic and the bottle itself is made of plastic. I like the packaging of the product, since it reminds me of a soda drink. XD Ingredients to look out for includes alcohol, citrus extract, and ethylhexy palmitate, since some people are sensitive to those. It uses BHA as a preservative, which ranks a high 6 on cosdna. I've been experimenting with toners, since Hada Labo broke me out and I'm peeved about that since it's HG for a lot of people. Looking forward to starting with this, but not so soon since I'm working with the 500ml Haru Hada HA Lotion now.

Purchase: $7.96 /RM34

Total Purchase: $43.4 /RM188

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[Review] 9Wishes Perfect Ampule Serum Oxygen For Stressed Out Skin

Price: $15.90 on Amazon or $10.99 on BBCosmetic.com

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 
Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Yes

Price, Shop & Product

A while back, I made a purchase from BBcosmetic.com for an item that went out of stock. They offered me two options, either I get refunded for the item, or I was free to choose a replacement on their shop. I chose this since my skin has been acting up from a combination of stress, lack of sleep, and hormones during that period. It was mostly stress. >< So I chose something related to it.

The 9Wishes Perfect Ampule Serum Oxygen For Stressed Out Skin from  BBCosmetic is sold for $15.90 on Amazon as sold via 9wishes directly or $10.99 on BBCosmetic.com with an additional 8% off if you use my affiliated code: C10T190S3  applied during checkout.

9Wishes Contemporary Beauty is a new skincare and cosmetic brand in Korea that specializes in producing high quality products for reasonable prices. There hasn't been much talk of the product outside of Korea. They carry a lot of products that's aimed for dealing with specific skincare steps/problems. 

This ampule serum aims to keep skin hydrated for a long time and effectively adjust the skin's oil and moisture balance, which refreshes the skin. The serum contains mineral-rich carbonated water instead of purified water which replenishes hydration to the skin.

Packaging & Ingredients

I'm quite happy with the way this product is packaged. It's a thicker liquid, so having it in the dropper bottle actually makes a lot of sense. In addition, it gives it a more luxurious look that reflect's it's price tag of $10 for 15ml of product. The box is sturdy and keeps the product snuggled inside safely. ^^

The major ingredients in the list is oxygen water (15,000mg), beta-glucan, galactomyces fermentation filtrate, centella asiatica, snail secretion filtrate, and various other plants extracts to help skin resilience and improve the healthy glow of the skin. Oddly enough, my skin didn't react badly at all to the snail secretion filtrate in this particular product, which is a nice surprise since I didn't take a good look at the list of ingredients prior to getting it. YMMV. 

Galactomyces Secretion Filtrate can help with skin issues such as acne, pore size, oil/sebum production, uneven skin tone, and signs of aging. It's most known for being the main ingredient in the famed SK-II Facial Treatment Essense (Pitera). There's science behind it's ability to lighten skin pigmentation and improve skin barrier.

Oxygen Water is used instead of purified water and is said to help replenish hydration more effectively.

Centella Asiatica is a healing plant that's used to calm inflammation and spped wound healing, stimulate new cell growth, build collagen, and improve circulation based on this Forbes article. XD

Snail Secretion Filtrate is packed with nutrients such as hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein, and glycolic acid. It's known to improve skin texture and quality and helps moisturize as well as hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid in the mucin has been demonstrated to stimulat production of elastin and collagen, according to Dermatologist Francesca Fusco. 

There doesn't seem to be anything triggering or worrying in the list of ingredients, but as usual, ymmv.

Intructions & Texture

Instructions says to use this after face wash and let it absorb, layering depending on skin condition.  I've been using this right after my FTE and before my other essenses because the texture is really watery and it absorbs so well. I find myself reaching for this readily in my skincare routine because I like how it soothes my skin without being too heavy.

It prides itself at being a highly concentrated ampule but with extremely light texture that spreads gently on the skin like a serum, which it 100% delivers in my face. It's asily absorbed and doesn't leave a scent of any kind. I don't pick up a scent with the ampule, which I appreciate. ^^ I'd rather skincare products not smell like anything most of the time, unless the formulation made it smell horrible, in which case you're free to mask that scent however way ou want. 

Performance

The serum is meant to be a light pick-me-up for stressful days. Truthfully, I wasn't expecting much from it since it's main purpose, even according to it's description page, is for de-stressing. I'm surprised by how much I missed this once I finished the bottle. As I mentioned earlier, I found myself reaching for this again and again in my morning and night routine. It adds a hydration layer that just helps my skin glow.

This lasted about two months. I ran out of this a month or so ago and my skin is missing this a lot more than I expected. I don't know if it's my skin freaking out randomly or the lack of this but my skin is breaking out. I'm going to put in an order on bbcosmetic once budget permits, but this is one of those products that really surprised me by how well it worked out.

I'm really keen on trying out the other serums of the same line though, so I might opt for one of those instead! ^^

Price: $15.90 on Amazon or $10.99 on BBCosmetic.com

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 
Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Yes

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[Review] 9wishes Rice Powder Polish Scrub

Price: $19.98 on Amazon or $17.00 on BBCosmetic.com

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 
Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Yes

Price & Shop

I received this 9wishes Rice Powder Polish Scrub from  BBCosmetic in exchange for an honest review a while back but all thoughts are my own, as always. ^^ It's $19.98 on Amazon as sold via 9wishes directly or $17.00 on BBCosmetic.com with an additional 8% off if you use my affiliated code: C10T190S3  applied during checkout.

9Wishes Contemporary Beauty is a new skincare and cosmetic brand in Korea that specializes in producing high quality products for reasonable prices. There hasn't been much talk of the product outside of Korea. They carry a lot of products that's aimed for dealing with specific skincare steps/problems. 

Packaging

Packaging for this product is fairly simple. It comes in an unassuming white box with the 9wishes logo printed on the top left corner of the box. The tube itself is also white and once that's opened up, I saw that they've included a whole lot of seals under the cap. XD The initial white seal keeps the product from getting wet while the second seal was a waterpoof layer that absorbs whatever liquid does form and then keeps it from dripping into the product. Past that layer is another plastic layer to protect the product. This 9wishs Rice Powder Polish Scrub comes complete with a spatula to scoop the product out with, which I've been finding really helpful. :)

I like the packaging of the product. I've been taking a scoop of this outside the bathroom prior to showers with me, and then use the single scoop while I wait for the conditioner in my hair to do it's thing. ^^ 

Ingredients

Ingredients include Canola Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostea rate, Microcrystalline Wax, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water, Saccharomyces/Rice Bran Ferment, Butylene Glycol, Origanum Vulgare Lead Extract, Protulaca Olieracea Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extrac,t Portulaca Oleracea extract, Gluatmic acid, Serine, Aspartic acid, Leucine, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Proline, Valine, Isoleucine, Istidine, Methionine, Cysterine, and Fragrance. 

The only two ingredients ranging higher than 1 on cosdna were the fragrance and butylene glycol so it's safe to say that this product is good for sensitive skin as well (unless you're allergic to some of the oils). My friend's mom is allergic to nuts so the macadamia seed oil in the product might actually be triggering for her. :(

The main ingredient in the product is defintiely the micro-ground rice powder.  It is infused with rice bran water. It's a gentle exfoliating cleanser that aims to release dead surface skin cells. The rice enzyme in the scrub is able to increase natural absorption of the skin. It also decreases the chances of adversely affecting the skin since the fermentaion process has neutralized it's toxicity. 

The various Amino Acids (Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, ect) in skincare has been proven to have significant effects on the skin, ranging from antioxidation, boosting UV protection and promotion of tissue repair, to anti-aging, toning and smoothing skin.

The Macademia Seed Oil adds as an emollient (an occlusive). Omega 3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory omega 6 work as a pro-inflammatory. According to thenakedchemist.com, which makes macademia oil great for those who suffer from sensitive skin conditions.

9 ingredients that you wouldn't be able to find in the scrub are alcohol, paraben, artificial colorant, sulphate, synthetic perfume, mineral oil, BHT, Formaldehyde, and triclosan, which is nice. ^^

Intructions & Texture

Instructions says to massage the scrub gently onto moist skin for 2-3 minutes and this can be used 2-3 times a week. It can also be used on the body for exfoliating and moiturizing. I struggled not to use this daily cause my skin is fantastic afterwards. The scrub, once added with water, is actually creates a surprising white scrub that feels exactly like it says - rice powder. I only really need a spatula of the scrub (about a coin-sized amount) for my entire face, which isn't much at all so this will likely last a long time. 

The texture is soft but slightly grainy. This is soft enough that I can massage this on my skin and remove dead skin cells effectively. The fine, natural rice powder is supposed to clanse blackheads and impurities from the skin whilst keeping the skin hydrated and soft. The minerals, amino acids and other instructions in the product can also provide other benefits to the skin.

Performance

This 9wishes polish literally smoothens skin and makes my skin feels baby soft. Even my palms feels amazing and I just want to touch my cheeks forever~ There's also a slight brightening effect, as you can see in the before (left) and after (right) picture. The lighting is slightly off, which makes it a little hard to compare, but I do feel like everytime I use this mask, the red spots on my cheeks are smoothed and brightened somewhat. 

I really look forward to using the scrub in the mornings. It just leaves my skin so smooth, soft and clean, all without feeling too stripping or harsh. This actually softer than even the Skinfood masks that I've tried.

This 9wishes Rice Powder Polish is 3 times the price of the Skinfood masks I'm quite fond of. Initially, I didn't have high hopes from them since the skinfood masks are able to make my skin super soft and glowy and I didn't think this could do much else. When it comes with skinfood wash off masks, once I add another product on my skin, and the effect is gone. The softness effect from the 9wishes powder lasts after applying my skincare routine.

The tube is huge, with 80g of product. I think I'll get these instead of the skinfood masks once I'm finished since I do feel like I need more of the Skinfood product per wash and as I mentioned, that effect is temporary.

Price: $19.98 on Amazon or $17.00 on BBCosmetic.com

(Use affiliated coupon: C10T190S3 for 8% off) 
Verdict: 10/10
Repurchase: Yes

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